Crown raises legal conflict concern in hostage case

By Delon Shurtz - Lethbridge Herald on September 16, 2022.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDdshurtz@lethbridgeherald.com

A Lethbridge law firm hopes it will be able to continue representing a woman accused of repeatedly stabbing a woman during a hostage taking incident earlier in the summer at a downtown business.

The firm of Connolly Shurtz currently represents the accused, Courtney Louise Shaw, who is charged with one count each of attempted murder, aggravated assault, and taking a hostage, and multiple counts of pointing a firearm, possession of a weapon dangerous to the public, unlawful confinement, uttering threats to cause death or bodily harm, and assault with a weapon.

The matter was in Lethbridge provincial court Thursday, where Medicine Hat Crown prosecutor Ryan Ansty suggested defence has a conflict of interest given its association with an employee of the business, Wade Hlady, who used to work for the law firm. Hlady’s wife, Miranda, currently works for the law firm, as well.

The Crown and defence agreed to adjourn the matter until next month, and in the meantime will schedule a date for a conflict hearing before a judge to argue their positions. Both sides hope to confirm a date for the hearing when the matter returns to court Oct. 13.

The charges against the 40-year-old accused stem from an incident on July 14 when a woman entered Lethbridge Legal Guidance in the 400 block of 5 Street South, where four employees were working, and asked to speak to a specific lawyer. After being told the lawyer wasn’t available, the suspect asked to use a washroom and 10 minutes later returned and pointed a black handgun at two employees and threatened to kill them. One staffer grabbed a phone and hid under her desk to call 911.

Police said the woman also had a knife and threatened to kill the employees if they tried to leave and didn’t get the lawyer on the phone. She then forced a 54-year-old woman into an office and closed the door, giving the other employees the opportunity to escape. The hostage, however, was stabbed numerous times and required surgery.

Police seized a knife and an airsoft handgun at the scene.

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